For the first time in our region, Lifeline New England North West will hold seven FREE suicide prevention training sessions - just for boys (16+) and their dads, grandfathers, mentors or mate of choice.
Funded by the Primary Health Network, these courses will bring young men, their fathers, grandfathers, coaches or mentors together to talk about suicide in a masculine and stigma-free environment.
Lifeline NENW Community Engagement Coordinator, Kimberley Squires, says bringing men and the boys they care about is a unique strategy designed to save lives.
“Boys and men are at greater risk of suicide – and the numbers aren’t falling. This is something new supporting men, reducing the stigma associated with suicicde and bringing conversations about mental wellness into the home.
“Participants will learn the skills to help a mate, colleague or family member who might be thinking about suicide, and when suicide comes up in conversation they’ll have the skills to help save a life,” she said.
Young people are more likely to die by suicide than by any other means. They are three times more likely to die by suicide than in a car accident. We lose 7 men and 2 women to suicide every single day in Australia.
“We know that giving young people the tools and acceptance to talk about suicide often results in them asking for help earlier, talking about their problems and feeling like they’re supported in their troubles,” said Ms Squires.
Tim Hollis, from Tamworth Livestock Agencies, says men and boys in rural Australia need to know what to do if a mate is in trouble.
“This is a really positive step in giving local men the tools to talk about their mental well-being.
“We lose a farmer every ten days to suicide – it’s not something we should shy away from. The reality is that suicide has long been an issue in the bush, and we need to open up the conversation and give men and the next generation the skills to talk about it and help each other out.
“Suicide is a tough thing to talk about – but we need to give men the OK to say if they feel worried about their mental wellbeing.
We’ll be encouraging any men and their boys who might be interested to take part in one of these sessions – its about protecting the men on the land and giving them the skills to take care of themselves and their mates,” Mr Hollis Said.
Lifeline’s Boys and their Men program aims to strengthen masculine relationships and encourage open conversations that may well save lives.
The SafeTALK course runs for four hours and will be held in Tamworth (3), Manila (1), Gunnedah (2) and Armidale (1).
The first of the courses will be at Tamworth Community Centre, 30 April and 1 May. 4:30pm – 8:30pm.